Contracts Negotiator

We are the Metropolitan Council, the regional government for the seven-county Twin Cities metropolitan area. We plan 30 years ahead for the future of the metropolitan area and provide regional transportation, wastewater, and housing services. More information about us on our website.

We are committed to supporting a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve.

The Procurement Department assists internal Council units to purchase goods and services needed to conduct Council business. In carrying out this purpose, the department complies with Council policies, procedures, laws of federal, state, and local governments, and requirements of grants the Council receives.

How your work would contribute to our organization and the Twin Cities region: The Contracts Negotiator drafts, reviews and negotiates non-standard agreements on behalf of the Metropolitan Council. Position approves negotiated changes to the Council's standard language contract or PO terms and conditions and develops standard template agreements, terms and conditions to use in Council-wide procurements. This position is responsible for coordinating contract review processes across departments and external to the Council, and works closely with Risk Management (Risk), the Office of General Counsel (OGC), and others to ensure that the Council's contractual obligations successfully limit the Council's risk, protect the Council's interests and comply with applicable laws and Council policies and procedures.

Notes: This position is eligible for a hybrid (both remote and onsite) telework arrangement. Candidate's permanent residence must be in Minnesota or Wisconsin. This posting will create a six-month eligibility list for current and future openings.

• Independently review nonstandard contracts and proposed edits to standard contract terms for compliance with Council policies and procedures and applicable law as well as to minimize risk.
• Draft nonstandard contracts for special projects in circumstances when the Council's template agreements do not adequately meet the needs of the project.
• Facilitate review and approval by internal and external parties, including Risk, OGC, other government entities or private parties as applicable.
• Provide guidance and advice on procurement policies, procedures, and rules as well as briefing OGC on critical path items.

Juris Doctorate degree and four years of experience in reviewing, drafting and negotiating contracts, and evaluating language for conformance with law.

What additional skills and experience would be helpful in this job (desired qualifications):

• Experience working and collaborating in a diverse, multicultural, and inclusive environment.
• Contract development project management or procurement experience with a government entity or in a large complex private company where regulations were applicable.
• Experience working with federal or state regulations.

What knowledge, skills and abilities you should have within the first six months on the job:

• Knowledge of contracts and procurement services, which includes purchasing goods and services according to procurement procedures and contract specifications.
• Ability to utilize Microsoft 365.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret professional journals, technical procedures, and government regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively prepare and present information and respond to questions from diverse groups of customers or clients.
• Ability to calculate figures in amounts such as discounts, interest, and percentages. Ability to apply concepts of introductory algebra and geometry.
• Ability to work under high-pressure situations with all levels of the organization while adhering to procurement policies and procedures.
• Skilled in project management and the ability to lead teams and communicate effectively both written and orally.
• Organizational and multi-tasking skills.
• Skilled in dealing with others, both inside and outside of the department. Interactions with others generally require influencing, instructing, and negotiating with individuals to gain their understanding, cooperation, and action.

What you can expect from us:

• We offer the opportunity to make a difference and positively influence the Twin Cities metropolitan area.
• We encourage our employees to develop their skills through on-site training and tuition reimbursement.
• We provide a competitive salary, excellent benefits and a good work/life balance.

More about why you should join us!

Union/Grade: AFSCME/Grade J
FLSA Status: Exempt
Safety Sensitive: No

What your work environment would be:
You would perform your work in a standard office setting. Work may sometimes require travel between your primary work site and other sites.

What steps the recruitment process involves:

1. We review your minimum qualifications.
2. We rate your education and experience.
3. We conduct a structured panel interview.
4. We conduct a selection interview.

Once you have successfully completed the steps above, then:

If you are new to the Metropolitan Council, you must pass a background check which verifies education, employment, and criminal history. A driving record check and/or physical may be conducted if applicable to the job. If you have a criminal conviction, you do not automatically fail. The Metropolitan Council considers felony, gross misdemeanor and misdemeanor convictions on a case-by-case basis, based on whether they are related to the job and whether the candidate has demonstrated adequate rehabilitation.

If you are already an employee of the Metropolitan Council, you must pass a criminal background check if the job you're applying for is safety sensitive, is a supervisory or management job, is in the Finance, Information Services, Audit, or Human Resources departments, or has access to financial records, files/databases, cash, vouchers or transit fare cards. A driving record check and/or physical may be conducted if applicable to the position.

IMPORTANT: If you make a false statement or withhold information, you may be barred from job consideration.

The Metropolitan Council is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action, and veteran-friendly employer. The Council is committed to a workforce that reflects the diversity of the region and strongly encourages persons of color, members of the LGBTQ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply.

If you have a disability that requires accommodation during the selection process, please email HR-OCCHealth@metc.state.mn.us.